Reducing Energy Bills

How to reduce your energy bills:

Check your current energy tariff:

Contact your current energy
supplier to check you are on the best tariff and payment method for
your circumstances, or if they can offer you any discounts to cut
your bills.

Change the way you pay your energy
bills:

Check if there is a better
way you can pay your bills. Most suppliers offer a discount if you
pay by direct debit, on average around £100,
compared to paying your bill by cash or cheque

Switching energy supplier:

You might be able to get a
better deal with a new supplier, particularly if you have never
switched before. Visit a comparison website to see if you
could get your energy cheaper. You might be able to save
£200-400 overall per year. Comparison
websites can help you find the best deal for you in your local
area and provide you with a free and easy-to-use switching service.
They also give detailed information on each tariff, including gas
and electricity unit prices and any discounts that are available.
Ofgem leaflet: How to Switch
Energy Supplier.

Collective purchasing and switching:

This is when a group
of consumers band together to negotiate a better deal with
their gas and electricity suppliers. More information on how to go
about this is available on the Department of Energy and
Climate Change's (DECC) Collective Purchasing and Switching
webpage and their fact sheet: Collective
Purchasing and Switching: What consumers need to know.

Oil Buying Clubs:

If you use heating oil as
your main fuel, buy before winter as you might get it cheaper. See
if there are any local buying clubs you can join as you might be
able to negotiate a discount with suppliers if you are buying in
bulk. The Citizens Advice Bureau has a section on its website
with
information and resources on oil clubs.

Saving Energy:

Age UK's Save Energy,
Pay Less guide looks at ways to make your home warmer, as well
as how to save energy and money and help the environment.

DECC has produced this simple guide to explain what support
is available for consumers and where they can go for help on
energy. The guide can help consumers get the best energy deal and
how to save money this winter.